₦airaland Forum

[size=18pt]MONEY SAVING TIPS[/size]
LESSONS LEARNT FROM SPYDER880

"First, I will reveal that I know a lot about buildings and will monitor this project myself. I will visit the site daily since I work in the area. I will source for materials myself, but my engineer will supervise the actual construction when it starts". - Quote from Spyder880

Building a dream home is a wonderful and fulfilling experience, which can bring a family close together. However, there are several simple guidelines that will better allow you to enjoy the process and to ensure that your home plan gets built in the necessary time frame. Please find below the lessons learnt from Spyder880

1. Make up your mind - ALWAYS BEGIN WITH AN END IN MIND. From the beginning he has determined what features are “must-haves” and which are “nice to haves” and find a floor plan that most closely matches the way he like to live. In the whole process, there were no change orders, modifications and excesses were reduced to barest minimum.

2. Choose a reputable builder - Knowing fully well that going the cheap route while choosing a builder can cost him more money in the future. He choose to engage the service of an experienced engineer. Not only that, he chooses to use the web (Nairaland) to get more information and gather knowledge from other people in the industry.

3. Location, location, location - He was able to find a land that is right for his particular need. He did not have to spend fortune on Clearing rocks or trees and leveling land, as this can quickly add to the cost of building his home. He was also able to cut off excesses such as OMO ONILE fee, Foundation Money, Decking fees and Schnapp etc. These expenses can vary greatly from one area to the another. so when you choose to build your home, it is highly recommended you find out what operates in the area.

4. Building Materials - As a "Bargain Champion" he knew at which stage of construction materials must be purchased, the quantity and where to get the cheapest in price (not quality).

5. Be your own General Contractor - DIY yourself can save you around 30% of the costs, but this job can be very time consuming and costly, especially if you do not have a background in home construction, finding reputable sub-contractors, purchasing materials, and managing project schedules. After considering the potential savings versus the time and stress involved, He was able to do everything on time and within budget. Example of this was Block Moulding (now I know non-hollowed blocks are far better than hollowed blocks)

Remember that your new home is not simply a structure, but an extension of your personality and lifestyle. With a little creativity and hard work, you can build your dream house within a budget.

Best wishes in the building of your new home.

@Spyder880, I dey laugh! Nairaland is not for the underaged.

@Busayowale, I know the area "Elebu" very well. If the guy is good, here are my suggestions.

1. Buy 1,000 blocks for now (when it is exhausted it will be easier for you to calculate the remainder. You get the gist).
2. Buy Sharp Sand/Granite, that's a good bargain. There are many quarries close by and it could be cheaper but if you are not sure of good supplier buy @ N96k, it still a good price o.
3. Cement - I really need to know if this includes german floor. If not I need to know the size of your house.
4. Water - OK. But aren't there other houses in yr neighbourhod where you can get water. Elebu is not a bush o.
5. Labour - I dont know what to say in this area o. But N270k seems to high, most especially for that area. At least, I know what operates in Gbekuba and its not that much.

Am Alone:
Bros Brabus, this is the post you posted that said you've spent so far 4.5m
Okay sir, Remember you mention spending 75k or so for caterpillar!!! I can't find it there -- One!
Two, Omo onile money? Approval money!, the money you used to dig the well I see/can see in the picture
the money for the electrical pipings I can see in the picture. The money for the soak-away pit I can see in the picture.
200k wood as much as I know, cannot finish that work(my knows sha! if you insist, so be it!
But what about nail? And how did you manage to spend total of 500k for labour! Can you give a break down! and the granite and sand and laterite 800k! I will like everything to be detailed! Okay! I can't argue about 3 tons of iron, but I know where well that you need rings, binding wires, and different thickness of iron! please explain - thanks! Again, once I think of more I will include
Thanks!!

Now, I can see. I even asked you to read posts very well before making comments. How does this answer my question above? I'll do you a favour, help you create a thread for free.

busayowale:
With all due respect to the opener of this wonderful thread. I need all from the contributors. I live abroad and i am starting my 4 flats project in Ibadan and i have been  given a quatation of =N= 1.2 MILLION for the foundation. Is this quotation reasonable? I need help from people currently building their house. Once again, due respect to the owner of the thread. I am in no way trying to derail your ever educating thread.

@Busayowale, where's your project in Ibadan? And can you do us a favour, try post your floor plan and possibly the material list. That way we can make meaningful contribution.

Am Alone:
Bros I am one of those who strongly disagree with the 4.5m for the work done as in the pictures you posted!!!
Infact, I am 10 times more in disagreement than omobashua1 with what you gave us! And I am ready to do it with you
privately or publicly! Please just help satisfy my curiosity!  So that I can get to know how I managed to spend so much
Also, remember you have some post you got to and stop and 4, 5 & 6 of this thread.
Please do not contradict! Thank you!
I will mail you shortly - But if I may ask, why not do it here so that everyone can see?
Than you!

I like dealing with specifics, pls. I requested that we should do it here for information purpose and I'd already post the address of the site for physical assessment. At least you can still recognize the building picture. It wont cost you more than 30 minutes to get to Sagamu from Ikorodu.

And you also need to read post very well before making comments. Can you show me the post where I said your house will be built with N7m?

omobashua1:
d reason why i always refer to @ am alone is because i have been following him n spyder880 since d beginning,atleast this thread was very positive them,i have seen ppl that have contributed their own piece here n there,thou others seems to come off as show offs but nonetherless i have gained valuable knowledge from everyone of u.Even brabus had his own two piece to share,he gave a detailed estimate on a duplex that i strongly disagree with but i am pretty sure he has his reasons n he is good at what he does, i have learn to listen to others because "even d mute n deaf has their own stories to tell".I have enjoyed this thread up until now where wahala seems to be d story of d day,@ am alone isn't leaving this thread,atleast not unless he chooses to,i will really love for everyone to stay n contribute something meaningful n not go at each others throat,pls keep d good work spyder 880,am alone,brabus.Everyone is here to learn n not bully one another, contribute positively to d upliftment of fellow mankind ppl,lets not stoop to d adage of d tear him down syndrome, from henceforth i ain't responding to any beef but only to topic that relates to what this thread was meant for, so pls elders contribute positively as we your children r listening with keen ears ooh

Help me understand yr statement here. I'd have preferred you mail me but for informational purpose, let's do it here.

kuntash:
There is a thread on this property section titled " cost of building a house in Nigeria" ,  this thread remains , THE REAL COST OF BUILDING A SIX BEDROOM DUPLEX,

Spyder, u do well,  

update us on this six bedroom duplex we have followed all the way from foundation till now,

@ Brabus, u dey make me fear O,  how u take get those details like that? as if na u be d accountant or building supervisor ,  lol,  thanks alot, I am gonna scan and keep for references,  it shall be well with u guys,


Spyder,  FIRE!

@Kuntash, wetin man go do. The original intent of this thread is to know how much it cost one man to build a six bedroom bungalow and that man is committed to the course. I just decided to seive the wheat from the chaff so that the thread can be more meaningful. Imagine what it will take to go through 70 pages scanning for information.
I'm not on this thread for any other thing than to monitor Spyder880 so as to see how he's going to make it without compromising standards. I doubt anybody can rubbish his job on this thread.

@Spyder880, you are most welcomed! I've learnt a lot from you as well and I've seen areas where I've made mistakes. I'll send you the template I use in tracking my expenses pretty soon, so you can be doing the updates on a day-to-day basis. Thank you. More BRICK to your project.

@Am Alone, pretty soon, we will meet. Person wey never reach another person's father farm go say na him father farm big pass. No wahala, get your surveryor, builder and bricklayer, ask them to visit my project at 7, Shoyoye close, Ibelefu-atoyo, off Simpata, Sagamu to measure the size of my house. I owned the street. I visit Ikorodu on a daily basis and will try carry my measuring tape one day to come measure your house too
You are good but learn to tolerate other people, I was once like you until my father told me one day "you cannot impress anybody". If you think otherwise, go and ask Cecillia Ibru, Erastus Akingbola, Tafa Balogun etc

The Elimination of all that is unnecessary to achieve a Dream

NOTE: For all the benefits that has been derived from this article, I would still not recommend it to every person. Building a home has a way of becoming an education and a career. Do not try building a house only because you think you will save money or you think you can impress others; it does not work that way. Focus directly on your Dreams and make them your reality. Do that and you will always be successful.

The cost to build your house in Nigeria (residential or commercial) depends on the exact location (is it possible to use a truck to bring the materials or do they have to be carried?), total floor area (make the house 2x bigger and the price will become 2x higher), the logistics/accessibility, regulations/restrictions, soil-type, site preparation (maybe backfill or retaining-wall?), neighbourhood, availability of skilled labour, source of electricity/water etc. plus the construction methods you choose (hollow or non-hollow blocks) and what level of finishing you want (low-cost, average or high-class).

In this thread, our own Master Owner Builder "Spyder880" has been able to demystify the building processes. Spyder880 has been able to open our eyes and taught us how to build a good quality house without cutting corners or breaking the bank.

Welldone Sir!

and lastly

Spyder880 continued

Spyder880 continued

Spyder880, the journey so far

How do all this argument relate to the topic? Lets always remember the topic of this thread is "The Real Cost of Building A Six Bedroom Duplex" by "Spyder880" and stop derailing the original intent with my mercedes is faster than your benz stories.

As we all know, housing prices have shot up like crazy in the last few years. It seems like the cost of labor & materials can't have gone up as fast. Is it cheaper to build a house than to buy a pre-existing one? Is it difficult to find unused and cheap lands around major cities? How much do architects/contractors/etc. cost? Does anybody know some good resources for learning about the process? Many are in the market to get their first home soon, and it seems like it would be great to get exactly the layout & features they want instead of hunting around for an overpriced place that's "almost good enough."

I've been following a lot of would-be home owner within the last two years and noticed a vast majority of the "owner builders" needed some advice on how to go about it. Houses are relatively expensive and it would cost over N5m for a decent home. Would it be sensible to purchase a land and build a new home instead of buying a pre-existing house?

I am looking for some pros and cons of going one way or the other.

Thank you in advance for all responses and advice.

Want to reach more people. Put sample of your work on our blog for free http://nexthomebuilder.blog.com

Send me an email with the sample and we will upload it. nexthome@live.com

agabaI23:
Are you an architect? Abeg make a I see the details, I think I like the job there. My email is in my profile. co.uk

From the stable of NextHome Builders, we present Jabi Private Villa.

This property sits on approximately 2139 sq. metres of land. It consists of:- a main building, ample driveway and car park, Generous garden areas, adult and children swimming pools, badminton court.

Details of the Main Building:

[list]
[li]10 Bedrooms (en-suite)
An Entrance Lounge
A Master Lounge
3 Other Lounges
A Dining Room
Two Open Courtyards adjoing the Dining
Two fitted kitchens
5 Terraces (2 of which have pergolas)
6 Balconies
A Study
Visitors Toilet
3 Nos Maids Rooms[/li]
[li][/li]
[/list]

Builder & Contractor:

Best Homes Nigeria Limited
Management Building,
Alpha Estate
Wuye, Abuja.

Sure you can! I have the plan and it comes at a cost. Contact me NextHome@live.com

agabaI23:
@Brabus. That house is super!
Is that house your own? Is there any possibility of me having a look at your plan? What is the size of the house as in how many rooms?
Thanks

@AgbalaI23, that's not my house o. But by the time I'm through with my house. It will be something close to what you see in that picture except that I dont plan to put a swimming pool. Check the pic of my house in post #131 of page 5. I'll send you the details of the house later. But the plan, you cannot get except you want us to do a model for you - it comes at a cost. No blame me o, that's what I do for living.

@kcool_k4, swimming pool costs around N750k, depending on your taste. Anything less than that is a soakaway, lol!

@Diordaves, dont you have family member you can trust? Why do you have to sacrifice so much to build your house? Time and Cost

@spyder880, more brick to your project.

I need money now to do what I know how to do best. So help me God.

I noticed I missed out installation of doors and frames in the list above. It is supposed to be in No. 3 above.

Whatever the case, start working on the exterior so that we can start to appreciate your house more. When you do, nobody will complain you are spending too much. At least I know of myself!

One Love! - off to church

Pettitegal:
@ Brabus
Chei, See house!!1! , Very very similar to the houses here in the United States though, it is really up to western specs. I like it,  Oh by the way is the house in Lagos,  Its very pretty though. I really like the decor,

The decor, exactly my point! Its in Jabi, Abuja but there are great houses like this in other parts of the country. I expect Am Alone to concentrate more on real finishes now than shopping for toiletries, doors, AC, pumping machine etc. As far as I'm concerned, the only person doing fine on this thread is Spyder880.
The only noticeable difference in Am Alone's house right now is the roof since February 17 that he first posted on this thread. I'm very blunt - This is a case of misplaced priority. You wont need doors, WC, AC now and who tell you those things will not become obsolete by the time you are ready to fix them.

Am Alone, you are my guy - please set your priorities right. I love your work but its kinda slow with the amount going into the project. If you get it right, we are all in to celebrate.

If you ask me, this is what I'll do in order of priority:

1. Fix the main gate (deter unwanted guests)
2. Complete plumbing/electrical installations (including drawing of wires)
3. Fix my burglaries, Aluminium Windows and Balustrade where needed
4. Install my overhead tank, since I'm doing an all-conduit installation to test for leakages so that we wont need to start breaking walls after plastering.
5. Plaster the wall (both interior and exterior) and also shop for wall/floor finishes (tiles, marble granite)
6. Fix my toiletries, WC, jacuzzi, kitchen sink etc
7. Start Tiling work and at the same time commence landscaping of the compound (leave out space for Gatehouse now).
8. Do my Ceiling, POP and at the same time invite the electrician to come and fix all the electrical fittings.
9. Invite carpenters for Kitchen cabinet installation, Wardrobe and other carpentary works.
10. Put Interlocking tiles and install carport/pergola
11. Start Building the Gatehouse

I'm dying to put your house on my blog as one of the featured house.

@Spyder880, loving your concept - permit me to feature your house on my blog. I've just subscribed to your blog and love those wonderful Enugu bungalows.

Regards.

Am Alone, I don't know what's on yr mind but I'd love to share this with you. Since it seems you have big tastes.

Sit back and feed your eyes!

@mykel09, If I may ask, is that your foundation level? Or is it my eyes that's deceiving me? I think its too low.

@Pettitegal, I think its always a good idea to build no matter how hard it may look, its far better than buying something you didnt know of. You can finish up Am Alone's type of house within 3 months if you have N7m cash. But you cannot get the same value in a house of N7m and you'll still spend nothing less than additional N4m to get to Am Alone's level. My one cent!

I dont like mentioning names but there's a friend who's a porter in Kent University that bought a house here in Nigeria for N20m but at the end he regretted his decision.

It costs more to renovate a building than building from scratch. Think about it!

Mr Curtis:
Good Day everyone i have been following this Blog and it has been really interesting and educative trust me i really do want to own a Duplex but you know i have been scared of starting what i cannot finish so while am watching the progress of Sypder008 and am also using this medium to commend the Blog Owner Spyder008, Am alone, Maine, Brabus and every other well meaning Nigerian who has taken out his/her time to update this blog with his/her own experience and encounter.

@Brabus you uploaded the picture of this building and just like i stated in the email message i sent to you i will like you to forward more pictures and give me an estimate on How much it will cost to get this completed to the level of this picture excluding land and fencing as i have already bought a land fenced it with Gate all that is left is to start the building process.
@Spyder088 your advise and recommendation will also be appreciated
@am alone your recommendation will be appreciated as well

@Mr Curtis, please find below another view of the building. I think Am Alone's statement above will confirm my response to your email. You should prepare btw N10 - N12m.

@Am Alone, the roofing is stone coated. Well done!

un_limited:
Dear forumites, pls kindly help with info (hardware & software requirements) in connecting multiple monitors(about 10) to a single CPU. with each monitor working simutenously and each having their own accessories (keyboard, mouse, speaker etc)
any info regarding this is appreciated

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@Am_Alone, Spyder, Kuntash and Everyone.
Thanks for keeping this thread alive. I really wish Nairaland could provide a "like" button like we have it on facebook. You are really amazing!

@Am_Alone, I will be here watching how you will spend the final N4-5m that will take your house to completion. Keep the good work, men!

^^^@ Cinzo - a sit down look approach is not too OK. At least you can use this period to do your septic tank as you may not be able to do in the rainy season! For Aluminium guy, resend me an email bosun.davies@live.co.uk , I'll forward his detail to you.

@aasog, too much respect! Why did it took you so long to join this thread? I've so much gbadun your style and your honest contributions. Thanks a lot.

globatop:
Nice works, please any update as regards ogun state?

efisher:
Seems we will have a 100% ACN Lagos State!

Ogun State - ACN all the way! All thanks to Tinubu or standing strong while others are sleeping. I think we will have 100% ACN South-West. Speaker Dimeji Bankole, OBJ, IO, Dniel B al lost in their wards

Am Alone:
@ Demain man,

As much as I'd like to wait for the price of cement to come down during
the raining season, but you know, during the raining season, a lot of trucks
sinks on bad road. And construction is always very slow(the rains disturbs
workers and very where is always damp).

The road that leads to my house is always bad during the raining season
trucks suppling sand and stones and cement cannot operate in that area very
freely because they stands a risk of. . . . .
Oshey!!!
because they may sink

@Am Alone, that's the reason why I buy sand (soft, sharp etc), stones, granite (the 30 tonne trailer bringing granite to my site can only visit in dry season) in the dry season. So, there's never a dull moment or excuse in my site. And for cement, except you are doing German floor or Decking, there's no time you will require more than 20 bags at a go. This can be delivered to the site using Okada/Motorbike.

@MolarMos, good to know that you have a site in Abijo. I was there yesterday, although I was in Lakowe Lakes. My suggestion is this if you can handle it. Get a block maker to bring his machine to your site, give him the materials and the quality you want. Within 2 weeks, you will have over 3000 blocks in your site which is enough to take you to window level irrespective of what you are building. If I'm to handle the job, that's what I will do - no special thing there. There's no problem with Rainy season, its the way we plan and priortize, use this season to get materials (sand, stone, blocks) to yr site. You can build in the rainy season.